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Page 232
She let him see that she was stirred by his appeal, but she nonetheless shook her head. "There is a difference to me. You will have made enough talk by closing the door thus, but that will be mended when I open it, showing all plainly that we remain as we entered."
"If that is all that troubles you, I will be quick," he urged. "Who will know that we were a few minutes more or less in talk?"
Alinor laughed in his face. "That may suit your need, but what of mine? Quickness is no recommendation to me."
"I will content you! I swear it!"
"Not tonight, you will not," Alinor reiterated, but with considerable effort.
"What is it about me that is not to your taste?" Ian cried passionately. "No other woman has ever so denied me, and the others had good reason to do so. Why will you not have me? We are betrothed husband and wife."
"Do not be such a fool," Alinor hissed, stretching her hand toward the latch of the door. "You are greatly to my taste, and I will have you with great pleasure. I will not deny that I desire you as greatly as you desire me. But I will not yield to your lustnor to mine eitherthree days before my wedding. What you desire will be all the sweeter in three days time when it can be had without shame or a closed door or huddling back into clothing hastily shed." She flung open the door. "Gertrude! Ethelburga!" The maids slipped into sight from where they had been waiting. "Put Lord Ian to bed," Alinor said shortly. ''I will tend to myself."
The next morning Ian was down before Alinor rose. When she appeared in riding dress to break her fast after hearing Mass, he ground his teeth.
"More pig-sticking?"
"I hope not," Alinor replied, smiling sweetly. "My huntsman was told to mark some great stags."
He opened his mouth and then gripped it tight shut. Alinor noted his heavy eyes and giggled very faintly.

 
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